What Do Plumbers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

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Job Description, Daily Responsibilities, and Work Life

Plumbers

Plumbers assemble, install, or repair pipes, fittings, or fixtures of heating, water, or drainage systems, according to specifications or plumbing codes.

Salary
$61100
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Post-secondary certificate
Job Satisfaction
Low
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Job Description

Job Description

Plumbers assemble, install, or repair pipes, fittings, or fixtures of heating, water, or drainage systems, according to specifications or plumbing codes. They also assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.

Other tasks include:

  • Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
  • Keep records of work assignments.
  • Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
  • Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
  • Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
  • Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.

We asked Plumbers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

Job satisfaction

62%

How meaningful is this job

63%


62% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 63% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.



Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Plumbers keep records of work assignments. They direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.

A typical day for a Plumber will also include:

  • Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
  • Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
  • Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
  • Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.
  • Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.

We asked some Plumbers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job? 57% said yes
How important is it to work in a team in this job? 5% said very important
Do you have group discussions everyday in this job? 67% said yes
Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job? 13% said yes
Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job? 11% said yes
Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job? 46% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Plumbers also cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools. They may also install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Plumbers Compile information on governmental incentive programs related to the installation of energy or water saving plumbing systems or devices. They might also Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.

In addition, they Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.

To some Plumbers, it is also their responsibility to Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.


Working life

Working hours

Standard 40 hour work week

Working schedule

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Plumber, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Do Plumbers work in an office-style work environment?

Never
30%


Once a week
30%


Do Plumbers work outdoors?

Every day
44%


Once a week
25%



Is this right for me

Best personality for this career

The Builders and The Organizers

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.



Learn more about Plumbers

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Related to Plumbers Job Description

Plumbers job description, what do Plumbers do, typical day for Plumbers, what is it like to work as a Plumber, how many hours do Plumbers work, day to day work of a Plumber

Additional resources

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm
http://www.firesprinkler.org/
http://www.nahb.org/
http://www.nfsa.org/


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